Shrews

Brown shrew sniffing leaf.

Shrews

Color: Shrews are usually gray to black in color.

Characteristics: Shrews are small, mole-like mammals that look a bit like long-nosed mice. They have an elongated snout with dense fur and five clawed toes on each foot.

Size: They range in size from 2 inches long to 6 inches long, depending on the species, and most don’t weigh much more than a couple of ounces.

Potentially Dangerous: No

What are shrews?

Shrews are small mammals like mice, but they’re not actually rodents. Shrews are insectivores that feed primarily on insects, spiders and slugs. Shrews also eat small birds, mice, small snakes, and even other shrews when the opportunity presents itself. Seeds, roots and other vegetable matter are also eaten by some species of shrews. They live in gardens and wooded areas where food supplies are abundant. The masked shrew is most common in the north and ranges from drab gray to almost all black in color. Shrews are often mistaken for voles (meadow mice).

Why do I have shrews?

Gardens and landscaped areas are the perfect feeding areas for shrews. They prefer these areas in your yard because they provide protection from predators.

Are shrews dangerous?

The aggressive nature of shrews sometimes makes them a nuisance when they live in or near dwellings. Shrews occasionally fall into window wells, attack pets, attack birds or chipmunks at feeders, feed on stored foods, contaminate stored foods with feces and urine, and bite humans when improperly handled. Potential exists for the transmission of diseases and parasites, but this is poorly documented.

How do I get rid of shrews?

Due to their hostile nature and ability to move fast, shrews are hard to get rid of.  Contacting Wil-Kil Pest Control is the ideal way to resolve your shrew problem.  We offer highly effective shrew control in Madison, Green Bay, Eau Claire, and throughout our service area.

Can I get rid of shrews myself?

DIY treatments and over the counter products are not always effective in resolving shrew problems. Wil-Kil Pest Control’s professionals are trained in identifying shrew problems and will implement effective measures to control and prevent future problems.

Is the treatment for shrews safe?

The health and safety of our customers is very important to us. That is why we only use products and treatment methods that are EPA registered. All of our pest control professionals are registered and licensed by the state or local jurisdictions where we provide service to ensure proper application.

How soon can we get there?

Our customers are our top priority. Your Wil-Kil technician is 100% committed to helping you as soon as possible.

How do I prevent shrews in the future?

Pest problems can be difficult to prevent and that is why many of our clients choose to continue service for year round protection from Wil-Kil Pest Control.  Contact us today to learn more about the services available in your area.

Related Post From Our Blog

Vole Damage In WI Could Be Uncovered As Snow Melts

April 15th, 2013|0 Comments

We talk a lot about the dangers of rodents inside of homes and businesses but we don’t want you to forget that there is a threat of rodents outside as well. Meadow voles, also known as meadow mice or just voles, are a serious threat to the landscaping and even grass on properties of both homes and businesses in Eau Claire, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison and other Wisconsin communities. Our WI pest control professionals want to warn that as the snow melts this spring, you may begin to see damage to your property from an infestation of voles.